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1966 Gibson ES-335TD

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Serial #: 840765, orange oval 'Union Made' label

Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 1/2" Nut Width: 1 19/32" Neck depth, 1st/12th frets: .81/.96

Materials: Solid Honduras mahogany neck; arched maple top back, and sides; solid rosewood fingerboard.

Hardware: Original hardware includes twin Patent sticker pickups with original covers and electronics; gold reflector volume and tone knobs; beveled 5 ply pickguard with support bracket. Gibson factory installed nickel stud tailpiece, 'Nashville' Tuneomatic bridge, and Kluson Deluxe tuners.

Notes: Introduced in 1958, the ES-335TD ("Thin Double-pickup") cemented Gibson's reputation for cutting-edge innovation combined with classic traditional design. The thin body was easier for players to hold, the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, and the new PAF humbucking pickups set a new standard for quiet operation, high output, and sweet, fat tone. Small wonder that the 335 became an instant classic, and has remained one of the worlds' most popular electric guitars to this day.

According to its label, this handsome guitar started life as an ES-335TD-12 string. It was subsequently converted to standard 6 string configuration, in what appears to be Gibson factory work, with a nickel stop tailpiece, and 'Nashville' Tuneomatic bridge. (As this bridge was introduced in 1975, we might assume the conversion took place some time after this date.) The one-piece mahogany neck has newer finish applied, while the body retains its original sunburst finish.

The patent sticker pickups and electronics are all original, with a smooth, highly saturated signal with lots of depth, and the stop tail gives the guitar the increased sustain and bluesy eloquence of the most treasured late 50's examples. The gleaming sunburst finish shows the slab-cut figured maple body to great advantage, and contrasts elegantly with the jet-black pickguard and gold control knobs. The neck has a fast, easy "C" profile, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. The body and neck are well balanced, and at just 7lb 6oz the instrument sits comfortably on the lap or the strap.

The guitar has been superbly maintained, and shows no cracks, pick, thumb or fingerboard wear, and apart from some light normal checking, the instruments shows few signs of age altogether. True 60's Golden Era quality, at a modern reissue price. An outstanding player, for the working guitarist: one only: call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

Case: Period arched black deluxe plush lined hardshell case.

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